Workaholic

Finishing up my posts from The Artist's Way.

It seems like work and creativity are in a never-ending battle for your time.
It's easy for people to become addicted to their work. They feel too busy to do anything creative.
And although work can be a real addiction, most people applaud it, since you're working hard. Even if you're working too hard.


Work might be an escape. We might use work as an excuse to avoid people, or feelings.
But it might end up blocking you from other important stuff.

A lot of people don't even realize that they're workaholics.
How do you know if you might be a workaholic? Here are some signs.

You are...
Not taking time off for fun or creativity
Working after you've left the office
Canceling hang-outs and get-togethers
Postponing stuff until "after work" (which of course almost never comes)
Taking work on vacation
Working during family time
Or if people complain that you always work


Workaholics could be afraid to have fun. They think of it as a mis-use of their time, so they tell themselves that they don't have time to do fun or creative stuff.

And the thing about being a workaholic is that it could go on without end. They think they'll do stuff after they've "finished work." But work doesn't have an end. There is no final goal, because there will always be some new project that you get once you finish the current project.
It's like running on a treadmill.

So, what do you do about it?
Well, start by setting limits on your work. Don't over-work.
And don't be afraid to get help.